Paying for quality childcare can be one of the biggest expenses for families with young children. This makes it unaffordable for many low income families. Luckily, there are government childcare assistance programs available that can help parents with the cost of daycare. These programs offer childcare financial assistance through subsidies, scholarships, grants, and vouchers to get help paying for childcare.
Some programs even offer free daycare for low-income families.
If you need help paying for childcare, it’s important to research the options available to you and apply for the assistance you need.
This article will provide information on different childcare assistance programs that help with cost of childcare and daycare.
What Are Childcare Assistance Programs?
Childcare assistance programs provide financial help to families who need help paying for childcare. These programs are run by state, local, and tribal governments. Some programs include:
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive early childhood programs promoting school readiness for low-income children. These programs are federally-funded and provide free childcare, daycare, preschool, and a variety of family support services.
Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 years old. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Head Start programs support children’s growth and development through services including:
- Preschool education focusing on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Health screenings and immunizations
- Dental, vision, and hearing check-ups
- Referrals for health services like medical, mental health, and special needs care
Early Head Start provides similar services tailored for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age 3. This includes home visits, parent education, and daycare assistance.
Eligibility for Head Start programs is primarily based on family income being at or below the federal poverty level. Children in foster care or from homeless families are also eligible regardless of income. Families can apply directly through their local Head Start agency.
Program Settings
Head Start services are provided in several settings, also known as options. These settings aim to create a consistent and supportive environment that fosters strong relationships between program staff, families, and children. The selection of settings offered by any Head Start program is determined by its assessment of community needs.
- Center-based services are situated in child development centers. These services are the most popular, with more than half of Head Start children enrolled in them, and they offer five-day-per-week programs that last for at least six hours per day.
- Home-based services are mainly delivered in a family’s own home, along with planned group socialization activities. Over one-third of children enrolled in Early Head Start programs receive home-based services.
- Family child care services are located in a family-based child care setting.
- Locally-designed services are often delivered through some combination of the above settings, depending on the needs of the community.
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
The Child Care and Development Fund is the main source of federal funding that helps low-income families access free or affordable childcare. CCDF is administered by the Office of Child Care under the Administration for Children and Families.
The CCDF provides grants to states, territories, and tribes who use the funds to subsidize childcare costs for families in need. States can use CCDF funds to support:
- Childcare vouchers and subsidies that help families pay for care
- Improving the quality and availability of childcare options
- Resource and referral services that connect families to children’s care services
- Provider training and professional development
- Childcare licensing and monitoring processes
- Childcare support for families in education, training, or transitioning off public assistance
To receive CCDF assistance, families must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes having a household income below 85% of the state median income level. Parents must also be working or enrolled in school/training.
Families apply for CCDF childcare subsidies through their local childcare resource and referral agency. If approved, they can use their voucher or certificate to access approved childcare providers. CCDF pays a portion of the childcare costs directly to the provider.
The CCDF helps make childcare affordable for millions of children under age 13 across the country. It increases access to quality early education and school readiness.
State-Funded Prekindergarten Program
Prekindergarten (pre-K) programs provide early childhood education for 3-5 year olds to promote school readiness and prepare children for kindergarten.
State pre-K programs go by various names like public preschool, junior kindergarten, or state-funded preschool. But they all share a focus on facilitating development and fostering the skills needed to succeed in school.
Pre-K programs are typically part-day and run during the school year. They are offered through venues like public schools, private preschools, Head Start centers, and faith-based organizations. Teachers must meet state education requirements.
To qualify for state pre-K, children must usually be within the state’s age eligibility window. Income eligibility varies but targets low and moderate income families in most states. Other risk factors like homelessness may also qualify children.
Pre-K programs combine early education, health screenings, meals, and family engagement to prepare disadvantaged children for school achievement. This enrichment helps close school readiness gaps. Pre-K is a key support that helps parents access free or affordable quality childcare.
Childcare Financial Assistance (Vouchers, Certificates, and Subsidies)
One of the main sources of help with childcare costs comes in the form of vouchers, certificates, and subsidies. These types of financial assistance programs help families pay for childcare by covering all or part of childcare costs.
For example:
D.C. Child Care Subsidy/Voucher Program
The District of Columbia offers a federally-funded child care subsidy program to help families with the cost of childcare. Eligible low-income families are given vouchers that cover part or all of childcare costs when used at approved providers.
There are several types of childcare providers that accept the D.C. vouchers:
- Level I Child Development Centers – Accept voucher referrals after eligibility determined by Dept. of Human Services.
- Level II Child Development Centers – Determine eligibility onsite and conduct intake for vouchers.
- Home-Based Providers – Accept voucher referrals after eligibility determined by Dept. of Human Services.
- Relative Care Providers – Licensed relatives selected by family to provide in-home care.
- In-Home Care Providers – Other licensed providers selected by family for in-home care.
Families can choose the provider type that best suits their needs. Providers must be licensed and contracted to participate in the subsidy program.
Vouchers enable access to childcare centers, preschools, after-school programs and more. The D.C. child care subsidy program helps families afford quality care of their choosing.
Child Care Centers (Daycare centers)
Child care centers, sometimes known as daycare centers, provide care for groups of children in classroom settings, usually grouped by age. Centers have multiple staff members and are overseen by a director. They are located in venues like schools, churches, community centers, or commercial facilities.
Child care centers typically offer full-time care and education for infants through school-aged children. They provide structured programs and a wide range of activities to promote learning and development. Teachers must meet educational and licensing requirements.
Families may choose child care centers for:
- Socialization with similar-aged peers in group settings.
- Classroom learning environments and educational activities.
- Wide variety of equipment, materials, and program options.
- Many trained teachers and staff members.
- Full-time care or part-time preschool programs.
- Care for multiple ages like infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
The educational activities, peer interactions, and skilled teachers at reputable childcare centers can provide enriching early learning experiences. Centers offer full-service care and education for many families.
You can search for child care centers near you by visiting the “Find Child Care” page and selecting your state or territory.
Family Child Care Homes (affordable daycare Option)
Family child care home providers offer small-group care in their own private residences, like their homes, apartment, or condo. They care for a limited number of children and provide a home-like environment with consistent caregivers.
Families may choose family child care for several reasons:
- Small group size and home setting.
- Consistent caregivers compared to child care centers.
- Flexible hours like evenings and weekends.
- Ability to keep siblings together.
- Lower cost than some child care centers.
Family child care gives a comfortable home-based setting focused on the relationships between children, families, and providers. Small groups allow for individualized attention. Families often appreciate the consistency and flexibility family-based care can provide.
Providers must meet state licensing requirements on safety, space, hygiene, and caregiver training. Family child care homes help fill the need for affordable, relationship-based early childhood care options.
You can search for child care centers near you by visiting the “Find Child Care” page and selecting your state or territory.
School-Age Child Care and Camp Programs
School-age child care provides supervised care and activities for children before/after school, on school holidays, and over summer break. Programs are located in venues like schools, churches, YMCAs, parks, and community centers.
School-age care includes:
- Before and after school programs
- School vacation care on holidays, teacher work days, etc.
- Summer day camps and summer school programs
- Enrichment programs focused on recreation, arts, academics, etc.
Families use school-age child care to meet the needs of working parents as well as provide engaging recreational and educational activities when kids are not in the classroom.
School-age programs offer a balanced mix of homework help, play time, sports, field trips, arts and crafts, STEM projects, reading time and more. Qualified staff tailor activities to the age and interests of the children.
Affordable school-age child care gives families safe, supervised options for those out-of-school hours and days throughout the year.
Informal In-Home Child Care
In-home child care that is provided by a relative, friend, neighbor, babysitter, or nanny in either the child’s or the caregiver’s home is known as informal care. This type of care is also called family, friend, and neighbor care and is typically not regulated by states or territories.
Informal in-home child care can range from a few hours at night for a parent’s night out to full-time care arrangements.
Reasons families may choose informal in-home care:
- Preexisting relationships with caregivers provide comfort and trust.
- Care inside the child’s home provides security and familiarity.
- Flexibility for non-traditional schedules or part-time needs.
- Removes transportation burden associated with centers.
- Affordable, especially for multiple children.
- Good occasional care option versus daily care.
Informal providers aren’t licensed or regulated like centers and family child care homes. Families should ensure correct safety measures, CPR/first aid training, and check references.
Affordability and flexibility make informal in-home care work well when families have specific schedules or needs.
Tribal Child Care Financial Assistance
Native American and Alaska Native families have access to a range of child care financial assistance programs through their tribal governments and organizations. These culturally tailored programs help lower the burden of child care costs.
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Tribal Allocations
The CCDF provides grants directly to federally recognized tribes, which are used to fund child care vouchers, subsidies, quality improvements, and other aid. Over 275 tribes currently receive CCDF tribal funds.
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Tribal TANF block grants can assist families with child care expenses through vouchers, subsidies, or by providing direct contracted child care. Aid is administered through designated tribal TANF offices.
Tribal Head Start and Early Head Start
These culturally-focused programs provide free preschool, home visits, family services, and additional child care assistance to Native families. Head Start helps cover child care costs for working parents.
Tribal Child Care Development Centers
Many tribes operate their own licensed child care facilities, which may offer subsidized tuition for families based on income eligibility. This gives access to affordable care and early learning.
Nonprofits like the Casey Family Foundation also have tribal child care scholarship programs. Connecting with your own tribe’s child care office is the best way to learn about assistance available in your community.
Tax Credits and Support
There are some tax credits and employer benefits that can help offset childcare costs for families:
Child and dependent care tax credit: If you’ve had to pay for child care for your children who are under the age of 13 in order to work or look for work, you may be eligible for the child and dependent care tax credit.
Childcare Reimbursement: Certain employers offer reimbursement for childcare expenses. This benefit is often included in cafeteria-style benefit plans, and some companies may even cover a percentage of their employees’ eligible expenses.
Earned income tax credit: This Tax credit is available to low- to moderate-income workers and families, providing a tax break that can reduce the taxes you owe and potentially increase your refund.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: For eligible low-income taxpayers, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help.
Other Local Child Care Assistance Providers
- Local assistance and scholarships: When searching for free child care assistance, it’s worth checking with local nonprofit organizations and individual providers to see if they offer any fee assistance or scholarships. You can ask the providers you are considering directly if they have any options available.
- Sibling discount: Many child care programs provide discounts to families who enroll more than one child. These discounts may come in the form of a percentage or a specific dollar amount off of each child’s weekly or monthly fee. Some providers may even waive the registration fee or other fees. If you require care for multiple children, it’s worthwhile to ask providers if they offer sibling discounts.
- Military discount: If you are a military service member seeking child care, it may be worth asking civilian child care providers if they offer a military discount. While they may not be associated with military child care, some providers may still offer this discount as a show of support for the armed forces
State and Local Childcare Assistance Programs
Alabama
Child Care Subsidy Program by the Department of Human Resources
Alaska
Arkansas
- Arkansas Better Chance Program (ABC)
- Child Care Assistance (CCA) Program in Arkansas
- Better Beginnings
Arizona
- The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Child Care (DCC)
- Child Care Grants and Scholarships
- Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral
California
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs) Child Care
- California’s subsidized child care and development programs.
- Early Start in California
Connecticut
Colorado
- Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) By the Department of Early Childhood
- Denver Preschool
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
- Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Childcare and Parent Services
Guam
- Child Care Assistance By Department of Public Health and Social Services
Hawaii
- Child Care Connection Hawaii (Subsidies)
- PATCH (People Attentive to Children) Hawaii
- Child and Family Service (CFS) Hawaii
- Kama’aina Kids
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Lowa
Kansas
- Child Care Assistance OR Child Care Subsidy Program By Department for Children and Families
Kentucky
- Child Care Assistance Program for Families by Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Louisiana
Maryland
- Maryland Child Care and Scholarship Program By Division of Early Childhood, Department of Education
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
- Child Care Assistance by Health & Human Services
- Great Start to Quality
- Child Care Network
Minnesota
Montana
Mississippi
- Childcare Payment Program (CCPP) By Department of Human Services
Missouri
Nevada
- Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) By Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
- Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) By NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Ohio
- Day Care Assistance Ohio
- Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA)
Oregon
Pennsylvania
- Pre-K Counts Pennsylvania
- Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program By Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Rhode Island
South Carolina
- SC Child Care Scholarship Program By the Division of Early Care and Education
- Daycare Agencies
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Vermont
Wisconsin
Washington D.C.
- The Child Care Subsidy Programs (CCSP) – Getting Help Paying for Child Care by Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families
Wyoming
Child Care Financial Assistance for Military Families
Military families have access to various programs that help in paying for child care, regardless of their station location. Additionally, there are alternative financial assistance options for child care available to military families if the programs have waiting lists. Discover more about these programs here.
MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC)
The MCC offers comprehensive information on military-operated childcare programs across the world. It helps military families find the ideal child care solution that meets their requirements.
Military families have various types of childcare programs, such as child development centers, family child care providers, school-age care programs, and 24/7 centers. To enroll their child in a military-run child care program, they must submit a child care request through MCC.
Military-Operated Child Care Programs provide various types of care that include:
- Full-day care for infants to preschoolers for six or more hours per day for at least four days a week
- Part-day care for fewer than six hours per day on a regular or seasonal basis.
- School year care for kindergarten to grade 7 during the school year.
- Summer camp for the summer break.
- Extended care for irregular or occasional child care during non-traditional hours.
- 24/7 care for traditional and non-traditional hours on a regular basis for families with rotating or non-traditional schedules.
- Hourly care provides short-term child care on an intermittent basis or on a first-come, first-served basis.
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood Fee Assistance Program
The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program is designed to provide fee assistance to eligible families who are unable to access military-operated child care due to distance or waitlists.
This program is available to families who require community-based care for their children. Through the program, a portion of the child care costs is covered, which enables families to access quality child care services from local providers without financial strain. MCCYN is a joint initiative of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Learn more about its Military child care fee assistance program.
- Air Force Fee Assistance Program
- Army Fee Assistance Program
- Marine Corps Fee Assistance Program
- Navy Fee Assistance Program
- U.S. Coast Guard Fee Assistance Program
Department of Defense Pilot Program
The Department of Defense is currently supporting a pilot program that offers financial aid to military families who require full-time child care assistance at their own homes. For more information, please visit MilitaryChildCare.com.
State or Territory Child Care Financial Assistance Programs
In cases where there are waiting lists for military child care and military fee assistance programs, military families with low-income can apply for child care financial assistance in the state or territory where they are stationed.
Consider Other Military Child Care Relief or Respite Programs
If you’re part of a military family and struggling to cover childcare costs, other organizations offer temporary relief or respite programs.
Check out:
to see if you’re eligible for financial assistance.
Non-profit Organizations Offering Free daycare for low-income families
Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA)
Child Care Aware of America partners with over 500 state and local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies to make childcare more affordable, accessible, and higher quality for families. Key initiatives include:
- Referrals to childcare and preschool programs
- Administering childcare subsidies and vouchers
- Parent counseling and provider training
- Increasing childcare availability in underserved areas
- Consumer education on choosing quality, affordable childcare
Child Care Aware also runs military family childcare assistance programs that have served over 150,000 families. Recently, they advocated for increased federal funding, resulting in Congress proposing a $1 billion boost for childcare programs in 2023 including:
- $700 million for the Child Care and Development Block Grant
- $275 million for Head Start and Early Head Start
- $20 million for Infant and Toddler Special Education grants
- $5 million for childcare access for student parents
This additional investment will help improve affordability, access, and quality of childcare for families across the country.
YMCA
The YMCA is a global nonprofit organization that operates childcare and early learning programs across the country. The Y offers several options to help make childcare more affordable for families:
Financial Assistance
- The Y provides financial assistance subsidies that reduce the cost of full-day childcare and preschool for eligible families.
- Aid amounts vary based on total household income and family size.
- Families must apply and provide income documentation to qualify.
Income-Based Sliding Scale Fees
- Most Y childcare centers use a sliding fee scale model with tuition based on total family income.
- Makes costs affordable for families earning less than area median income.
- Scales may be set locally or based on YMCA national guidelines.
Afterschool Care
- The Y offers afterschool care and “school’s out” full-day programs on school holidays.
- Provides a safe, supervised place for kids before and after school hours.
- May be more affordable than full-time daycare for older children.
The Y aims to ensure that families across all income levels can access quality childcare and early education. Financial assistance makes Y programs accessible for more families in need.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national nonprofit that provides affordable afterschool and summer care programs for kids and teens. The Clubs help make childcare more affordable through:
Low Cost Fees
The annual cost to attend a local Club is typically $100 or less. Daily and weekly rates are set low to keep care affordable.
Help Paying for Childcare
Clubs provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford program fees. Aid helps cover the cost of care.
Sliding Fee Scale
Some Clubs use sliding scales where tuition is based on family income level. This model increases accessibility.
Access to Affordable Daycare
By providing affordable, quality care, Boys & Girls Clubs serve as a reliable childcare option for working families.
Safety Net Programs
Clubs offer afterschool meals, homework help, mentoring, and summer care to keep kids productive and safe.
Boys & Girls Clubs make childcare affordable through low-cost programming and assistance for families who need help paying for daily care and supervision.
Who Is Eligible for Childcare Assistance Programs?
Each program has its own eligibility guidelines based on family size, income level, and other factors. Some common requirements include:
- Must have children under age 13 (or under 18 for children with special needs).
- Must be working, in school/training, or meet other activity requirements.
- Income below state eligibility limits (often 200% of the federal poverty level).
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
How to Apply for Childcare Assistance?
- Research childcare assistance programs in your state and locality. Eligibility and applications will vary.
- Gather required documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, child’s birth certificate, and immunization records.
- Complete the application for assistance. Many states allow you to apply online.
- Submit the application and documentation to the appropriate childcare assistance agency.
- Wait for the determination of eligibility. If approved, receive authorization paperwork.
- Find an approved childcare provider and present your authorization notice.
Use resources like ChildCareAware.org and ChildCare.gov to find information on assistance programs in your area. With the high cost of childcare, it is worth exploring if your family qualifies for subsidies or vouchers to help make care more affordable.
FAQs about Childcare/ Daycare Assistance
What are the main types of childcare financial aid?
Major forms of assistance include subsidies, vouchers, grants, tax credits, and employer benefits.
Is daycare eligible for financial assistance?
Yes, many government and nonprofit programs provide help paying for center-based daycare through subsidies, vouchers, discounted slots, and other benefits. Daycare centers that accept state subsidies and meet licensing standards can be great options for affordable care.
Who provides childcare subsidies and vouchers?
Government agencies like HHS provide funds that are administered through state/local programs. The Child Care and Development Fund is one major source of assistance that provides subsidies to offset the cost of daycare tuition. Head Start also partners with daycare centers to provide free or reduced-cost slots. Additionally, some nonprofits give childcare vouchers that can be used at local daycare providers. Government agencies like HHS
How do I apply for childcare assistance?
Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency to get started. Many applications are online.
Can grants help pay for childcare?
Yes, nonprofits and churches sometimes provide childcare grants and scholarships.
Are informal caregivers eligible for subsidies?
Usually not. Most aid requires licensed and accredited providers.
Conclusion
In this way, the childcare assistance program is a much-needed resource for families struggling to afford quality daycare for their children. With the help of this program, parents can rest assured that their children will be in safe and nurturing environments while they work to support their families.
By offering financial assistance to families in need, the program is helping to alleviate the burden of childcare costs and making it possible for more families to access affordable daycare. If you are struggling to pay for childcare, be sure to look into the childcare assistance program to see if you qualify to get help with childcare.
